Archive of ‘Birthdays’ category

I love discovering new blogs and was thrilled when I stumbled upon Kim’s wonderful decor and party planning blog The TomKat Studio! I began to get really excited as I scrolled through her adorable party ideas and when I came across this Lollipop Party Theme I fell in love! This colorfully sweet party theme is perfect for almost all ages! Shhh… don’t tell, but I can already tell you one of my little girls will be having on adorable lollipop party this year! Kim was so kind as to let me share her fabulous ideas here on Thoughtfully Simple {I just know you all will love this party too}, so without further ado…

Lollipop Party Theme!

This colorfully sweet party theme is perfect for almost all ages! Shhh… don’t tell, but I can already tell you one of my little girls will be having on adorable lollipop party this year!

Above are Yummy Lollipop invitations, Lollipop cupcake toppers, and matching favor tags that say “thank you for being sweet” tied to mini lollipops!

Here is a close up of these super cute favors! {Really, could they get any cuter??}

This party theme is so yummy I couldn’t even decide which images to share with you because I love them all! You can check out all the “sweet” details of this Lollipop party over at The TomKat Studio. There is so many more adorable party details to see! Oh and Kim, not only dreamt up this fabulous party theme- she made all these cute lollipop party supplies herself! Visit her amazing studio shop and check out the Lollipop party kit, now you can pull of this adorable party theme in a snap! Thanks Kim!

When a friend of mine {Mary Kay} asked if I had any ideas for her next Bunco Party, I began brainstorming. After all, I am always looking for a reason to get a crowd together and have some fun! I started thinking what a great idea it is to host a Bunco Party: 12 close gal friends, a fun game, good food, and of course a signature cocktail!

If you are not familiar the game of Bunco, check out the official rules here and learn more about this game. You don’t need much to get your Bunco party rolling… I suggest keeping with the black, red, and white color scheme inspired by the dice {the most essential part of the game}.

For Mary Kay’s Bunco party, she was looking to serve her gal friends delicious, simple, and healthy appetizers. I put my thinking cap on and suggested she make these appetizers. She was thrilled with the healthy choices that were a breeze to make and also simple to serve. After all- no time for a fancy sit down meal when you are eager to play Bunco!

Antipasto Squares (Yummy served warm or cold)

Spinach Feta Pizza Bake

Of course what party would be complete without a signature cocktail? How about creating your own “Bunco-Tini!” Just serve up a red colored Martini {whatever you like best} and call it your own! I am currently loving:

Red Apple Martini

If you’re looking for inspiration for creative party themes, I’ve got a sweet idea for you! Whether it’s a birthday party or a “just because” get-together, check this out: it’s a candy party!

This theme is perfect for a slumber party or regular birthday party too! Just gather friends and get ready for some sweet, sugary, fun! What more could a kid want… right?

Here is one of my favorite candy-themed invites:

You can personalize this invite for your kiddo’s birthday or slumber party and set the tone for your sweet event! See your options for these candy themed invitations.

Rather than your traditional birthday cake, set up a colorful candy buffet. Gather old favorites and new treats and display them in glass bowls and jars. Anything really goes, just be creative! Use a glass vase to hold fun lollipops and use punch ladles as make-shift candy scoops.

You can purchase bulk candy at your favorite sweet shop, or even online (I use candywarehouse.com). Let your party guests scoop up some sweet treats rather than the serving cake and ice cream. Just don’t forget to light the candles if this is a birthday party! You can get creative and stick them into gumdrop candies and set them in the middle of the candy buffet table.

When guests are about to leave, don’t send them home without a cute candy favor! You can always provide small favor boxes or bags and let them scoop up their own sweet treats. Or, send them with one of these cute mini gumball machines. Hostess tip: Make a personalized tag out of card stock and attach with ribbon to each gumball machine. Print each guests’ name or a simple “Thank You For Coming” message. I found all of these yummy favors at Beau Coup, check them out!

If your party is going to be a Sweet Slumber {party}, order a couple of these fun candy pillows to use as party decor! They will be a huge hit and make for one sweet pillow fight!

Other Party Ideas:

Set out board games like Candy Land for the guests to play (even if they are older…they’ll still have fun)!

Fill jars with gumballs/jelly beans/ M&Ms and have them guess the amount for a prize.

Play charades having all the cards be names of candy bars and candy types

Have a scavenger hunt and have them collect different types of candy

**Want more ideas? We have recently added a new Candy Party feature- REAL party photos!

This year when you find yourself planning you child’s birthday party, stop stressing and simply think…Polka Dots! This fun and colorful pattern is a hot trend right now, and in good reason. Polka Dots are versatile, allowing you to be as creative (or basic) with the color selection as you dare. With this simple theme you will be able to create an impressive and thoughtful party in a snap! Just start thinking in circles, and you’ll soon realize what I mean when I say, Polka Dots are SIMPLE!